The details of the discipline point out that the girls violated the policy of the state athletic association. As athletes, they represent the school on and off the field. It would be the same if a couple of football players got drunk at a party and trashed someone's house. The ACLU just wants to make sure that anybody can do what they want and that no one should be able to tell them what they can and can't do. Schools, parents, neighbors need to stand together to hold teens like these to high standard of character so they can learn how to be responsible adults.

As a Christian, I can claim to know nothing other than what God designed. Marriage was created as the lifelong union of one man and one woman growing in oneness with each other and God. Note that this does not only exclude same-sex marriage but also easy divorce. I would even claim that lifeless, loveless marriages are not as God designed. The church is not tied to the the state's definition of marriage, and the state can choose to ignore original design in redefining the union. This current controversy may be what is necessary for the church to reclaim its role as the defender and nurturer of marriage as God designed it.

Thanks for the perspective, Bonnie. I agree totally. When I wrote about forbearance and grace as a response to your spouse, I was using it as a contrast to the label of "ignorance." It's not about denying the truth, but about embracing the truth that is there. In reading back through the article, I can see that I didn't make that point as clearly as I should have. Part of assuming the best in your spouse is also expecting the best and helping your spouse acheive the best. Thanks for making the post stronger with your comment. I'd love it if more people would do the same.

Tom, thanks for sharing your unique and touching story. We grieve with you in your loss, but we rejoice that you have a marriage that finished strong. And we pray your story is an encouragement to many others. SW, editor